text:
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars is a crossover fighting game developed by Eighting and published by Capcom. The game features characters from both Capcom's video game franchises and various anime series produced by Tatsunoko Production. It was originally released in Japan for arcades and the Wii video game console in December 2008 as Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes (タツノコ VS. CAPCOM CROSS GENERATION OF HEROES). Following high demand from international fans, Capcom worked with Tatsunoko to resolve international licensing issues and a second version, Ultimate All-Stars, was released for the Wii in North America, Japan, and Europe in January 2010, featuring additional characters and online multiplayer.
|Tatsunoko vs. Capcom:
Ultimate All-Stars
North American box art depicting the Capcom and Tatsunoko characters on the left and right, respectively
|Hidetoshi Ishizawa
Shinji Ueda
|Ryota Niitsuma
|Arcade, Wii
|Single-player, multiplayer
|Arcade system
|Proprietary Wii-based arcade board
In Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, players engage in combat with a team of two characters or with a single giant character and attempt to knock out their opponents. It is the seventh Capcom-designed installment in their Vs. fighting game series, which includes the Marvel vs. Capcom and Capcom vs. SNK series, and the first to be fully rendered in 3D graphics. The game is set in a 2.5D environment; characters fight in a two-dimensional arena, but character models and backgrounds are rendered in three-dimensional graphics. The game is designed around a simplified three-button attack system, which was inspired by the simplistic control schemes commonly used by both the Vs. series and the Wii.
The game received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its approachable gameplay for newcomers and depth for veteran players. However, reviewers had mixed experiences with its online component, and found Arcade mode lacking in replay value. According to the game's producer, Ryota Niitsuma, development difficulties and a lack of Wii fighting games were the reasons for its platform exclusivity; however, multiple critics questioned if that was the best choice. Capcom announced in April 2010 that the game was a commercial success.
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom is a tag team-based fighting game in which players control characters with different attacks and fighting styles, and engage in combat to deplete their opponent's life gauge.[2][3] The gameplay is set in a 2.5D environment where the characters are rendered in three-dimensional graphics, but their movements are restricted to a two dimensional plane; they may only move left and right, and upward through the air.[3] Each player may select a team of two characters and can switch between them during combat. Alternatively, players may select one of two "giant" characters, who cannot be played as part of a team.[4] When characters switch, the incoming one performs a special attack upon entry, and the previous one can regenerate health.[5] Characters not in play may be used to assist, and to perform powerful team moves.[2][6] A match ends when a team has no characters left, or when the timer reaches zero—in which case, the team with the most remaining life wins.[1]
The arcade release of Cross Generation of Heroes has a control scheme consisting of a joystick and four buttons.[3] Wii versions of Tatsunoko vs. Capcom have five control options: the Classic Controller, Nintendo GameCube controller, third-party arcade sticks, and two simplified control schemes—intended for inexperienced players—for the Wii Remote.[2][7] Players use controller inputs to perform attacks; the most basic attacks are executed by pressing one of three attack buttons: light, medium, or strong. Players may augment basic attacks with joystick or control pad directional inputs; for example, a standard strong attack can become a sweep when the down input is added.[4][8] Basic attacks can be strung together to perform combos.[4]
Each character has unique "universal techniques"—special attacks that are more powerful than normal moves—that require complex control inputs.[8][9][10] Similar inputs are used to perform even stronger versions of special moves called Hyper Combos and Team Hyper Combos; these deal damage relative to the size of the player's Hyper Combo gauge,[1] which increases when the character inflicts or receives damage.[8][11] Certain universal techniques are usable by all characters; for example, each character possesses one that launches opponents upward, rendering them vulnerable to an "air combo".[12] Other common universal techniques include the "Baroque Combo", which sacrifices the regenerable portion of a character's life gauge, but allows players to extend combos and deal more damage;[13] and the "Mega Crash", which creates a temporary barrier around the character to knock back opponents, but partially drains their Hyper Combo and life gauges.[11]
Cross Generation of Heroes, the 2008 Wii version of Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, has an Arcade game mode: the player fights against artificial intelligence (AI)-controlled opponents to reach the final boss character, Yami from Ōkami. Time attack and Survival modes are also available, and require the player to defeat every character in the game. While Survival limits health regeneration, Time attack challenges players to win in the shortest time possible. Other modes include Vs. Mode, in which two players engage in combat, and Original Games, which sees up to four players competing in character-specific minigames. Using money obtained throughout the game, the player may purchase unlockable characters, alternate character costumes, minigames, character profiles, movies, illustrations, and background music. Once purchased, the latter four are viewable in a gallery.[14][15] The arcade release of Cross Generation of Heroes omits the game modes, and instead features a character selection screen from which a player may compete against either AI opponents or a second player.[16]
Ultimate All-Stars has largely the same features as the Wii version of Cross Generation of Heroes, with the exception of Original Games; instead, it features a top-down shooter minigame set in the Lost Planet world called "Ultimate All-Shooters".[17] Unique to Ultimate All-Stars is Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection support for Vs. Mode competition over the Internet.[7] Online multiplayer matches may be played either with registered friends or opponents, or randomly selected participants. Players can choose from randomly selected opponents to be of a rank similar to their own. Rank is decided by battle points, which fluctuate when a ranked match is won or lost. Once a match is completed, players can add a consenting opponent to a Rival Roster for future matches.[18]
Playable charactersEdit
Ultimate All-Stars contains 26 playable characters from Capcom video game franchises like Street Fighter, Mega Man, and Viewtiful Joe and Tatsunoko Production anime franchises such as Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, Yatterman, and Casshan.[9] The original arcade version of Cross Generation of Heroes features 18 characters, which was increased to 22 for its Wii release. The rosters of both Ultimate All-Stars and Cross Generation of Heroes are evenly divided between Tatsunoko and Capcom characters. The game's two largest and most powerful characters, Tatsunoko's Gold Lightan and Capcom's PTX-40A, cannot have partners; by extension, they cannot perform universal techniques that require a partner. Non-playable characters, derived from Capcom and Tatsunoko intellectual properties, make cameo appearances during certain attacks; for example, Casshan is assisted by his robotic dog, Friender, while Doronjo is accompanied by her lackeys Boyacky and Tonzura.[2]
- † Wii-exclusive character
- ‡ Exclusive to Cross Generation of Heroes
- § Exclusive to Ultimate All-Stars
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom was conceived when Tatsunoko Production asked Capcom to develop a game with Tatsunoko characters.[20] In-company discussions at Capcom about it started in mid-2006;[19] Capcom producer Ryota Niitsuma was interested in producing a fighting game, and agreed with other Capcom employees that Tatsunoko's characters would be better suited for a Vs. game than a Street Fighter game.[20] The resulting project was the seventh Capcom-designed entry in the Vs. series and the first in over seven years.[3][21] In the 2000s decade, fighting games were less popular and plentiful than in the mid-1990s, with multiplayer competition shifting towards other genres.[22][23]
The research and development team started work in parallel with Street Fighter IV. "Capcom [hoped to] bring back the fighting genre into the mainstream market [...] with a serious fighting game for very hardcore fans, and another with a slightly lowered barrier to entry," Niitsuma said.[24] Eighting, Capcom's hired developer, took on the job in early 2007.[19][25] Tatsunoko vs. Capcom's design was a departure from the complex attack systems of the Street Fighter series, and of certain Vs. titles. The game is built around a simplified three-button attack system (light, medium, and strong); it was inspired by the control systems commonly used by both the Vs. series and the Wii, which allows intricate moves to be performed with basic control inputs.[2]
On May 22, 2008, Capcom announced the game, titled Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes, for release in Japanese arcades.[26] The arcade cabinets' system board was proprietary hardware based on the Wii.[16][27] Beta units were sent to test locations in Tokyo (July 10–13) and Osaka (July 25–27).[28] By September, the game was 70% complete, and a Wii version was announced for Japanese release.[29] Capcom gradually revealed the game's cast until release.[30][31] It was released in Japan on the Wii on December 11, 2008, and an arcade version followed in mid-December 2008.[32]
When choosing candidates for the Tatsunoko and Capcom character rosters, the development team was free to nominate any character it wished.[33] However, the team faced limitations on its Tatsunoko candidates; Niitsuma explained, "[We] had to consider licensing issues. Once we had that list we had to figure out how to make a balanced fighting game. On top of that we wanted a good balance between male and female characters." Selection emphasis was placed on main characters, rather than on villains. Certain characters were denied by Tatsunoko Production without explanation to Capcom. "We weren't privy to a lot of their decision making process. They didn't share a lot of reasons with us. When they said no and we asked why, they wouldn't tell us, but would give us another suggestion," Niitsuma said. They disallowed characters from Genesis Climber MOSPEADA or Samurai Pizza Cats, despite the high number of fan requests for the latter.[34] The eponymous characters of Tatsunoko's Muteking, The Dashing Warrior and Nurse Witch Komugi were among those planned for inclusion, but were eventually scrapped.[35] The finalized Tatsunoko cast consists of characters that the team enjoyed in their youth.[33] The development team hoped to include Capcom's Phoenix Wright and Franziska von Karma from the Ace Attorney series, but, while the latter's use of a whip made her easy to incorporate, the team struggled to find appropriate attacks for Phoenix.[36] Since Phoenix doesn't move from the waist down in his original game environment, the team considered adding tires to his desk and having the entirety move as a single character. However, this was abandoned due to potential collision issues.[19] Though they envisioned an attack that used his catch-phrase "Objection! (異議あり!, Igiari!)", with the letters themselves used to attack the opponent, they found that localization would have changed the Japanese four-character phrase (in kanji) to a ten-letter word in English, unbalancing the game.[36] Arthur from Ghosts 'n Goblins, and Ingrid from Capcom Fighting Evolution were also scrapped.[19][35]
The game is the first Capcom-designed Vs. installment to be rendered fully in 3D.[2] Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and its graphical characteristics were optimized for the Wii, which prevents the game from being ported to other consoles without completely re-building the game.[37] Niitsuma explained that its Wii exclusivity was also due to a lack of Capcom fighting games for the console, and because the Wii's casual quality matches the Vs. series trait of accessibility.[34][38] The producer suggested that porting a sequel would be easier, but that Capcom would gauge the reception of the Wii game before making such plans.[37] On November 7, 2012, Capcom USA's senior vice president Christian Svensson revealed that Capcom's rights with Tatsunoko have lapsed, meaning Capcom is no longer authorized to sell Tatsunoko vs. Capcom physically or digitally.[39]
On May 6, 2009, Capcom listed two "mystery games" as part of their Electronic Entertainment Expo 2009 (E3 2009) lineup.[40] Nintendo Power magazine revealed "Capcom Mystery Game #1" to be the North American localization of Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes, with the new subtitle "Ultimate All-Stars". It was playable at the company's E3 booth.[41] European and Australian releases were announced on later dates.[42] The game was originally unintended for release outside Japan, but was localized by Capcom due to positive fan reception. Tatsunoko Production assisted Capcom with its character licensing issues; while Tatsunoko Production holds such rights in Japan, they are licensed to companies such as Time Warner in other countries.[33] Niitsuma said that acquiring character licenses was difficult, as it was largely done one at a time, and characters cleared in North America had to be checked separately in Europe.[43] Another issue was the possibility that Eighting would be occupied with other projects.[25] Time constraints led Niitsuma to replace the character-specific minigames of Cross Generation of Heroes with "Ultimate All-Shooters", an expansion of PTX-40A's minigame.[19] Artwork by UDON replaced the animated character-specific endings.[44][45]
A Capcom press release in June 2009 stated that the North American release would have more mini-games, an "enhanced" story mode, and support for online play. The roster would be expanded by five characters, but would lose one unnamed Tatsunoko character.[46] However, Capcom later revised this press release, as it was incorrect,[47] with the statement that they were "looking into adding new features to the game, including possible additions of several new characters from both Capcom and Tatsunoko and [...] exploring the option of online gameplay."[48]
On September 9, 2009, Capcom announced the Japanese release of Ultimate All-Stars. Starting on that day, the company periodically revealed the game's new characters; however, the full cast was leaked through JavaScript code on the game's official Japanese site.[49][50] With the exception of Hakushon Daimaō, who was removed due to unspecified licensing issues, every playable character from the original Wii release was included.[19] Hakushon Daimaō was also removed in Ultimate All-Stars' Japanese release, due to both his unpopularity with players, and the game's status as a localization of the North American version.[51] The new characters encompassed Frank West from Dead Rising, Zero from Mega Man X, Yatterman-2 from Yatterman, Joe the Condor from Gatchaman, and the title character from Tekkaman Blade.[17][52] Shinji Ueda served as a director along with Hidetoshi Ishizawa.[53] Ishizawa admitted that, just as Cross Generation of Heroes was not initially planned to be released internationally, neither was Ultimate All-Stars planned to be released in Japan. However, fan appeals and the research and development team's own hopes resulted in the game's Japanese localization.[54]
An official launch event for Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All Stars was held at the Nintendo World Store in the Rockefeller Center on January 23, 2010, featuring autograph signings by Niitsuma, giveaways, competitions, and playable demo kiosks. Hundreds of fans were expected to attend between 11 pm and 3 pm.[55] The game was released in North America on January 26,[56] in Japan on January 28,[19] and in Europe on January 29.[57] Capcom's Community Manager Seth Killian expressed satisfaction with the North American sales of Ultimate All-Stars. "[Tatsunoko Vs Capcom] certainly beat the initial expectations. It didn't set any land speed records, but it was a success," Killian stated. "And that's really saying something considering that we're talking about a game that was not only never coming out, but has a title that most people can't even pronounce."[58] In Japan, Ultimate All-Stars sold 18,913 units as of January 2, 2011,[59] and, as of December 27, 2009, Cross Generation of Heroes has sold 62,805 units.[60]
Certain versions of Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars are bundled with a Mad Catz arcade stick, whose artwork was produced by Japanese artist Shinkiro.[61] Pre-orders from GameStop included eight of thirteen lenticular trading cards.[62] As a buying incentive, Capcom's Japanese online store offered a Secret File compilation book of concept art, illustrations and design notes; it is the twenty-seventh volume of the Secret File series, which was originally published between 1996 and 1999 as a supplement to Capcom games of the time.[63] The store also included an audio CD with four vocal tracks from the game:[64] the opening song from Cross Generation of Heroes, "Across the Border", sung by Asami Abe;[65] Ultimate All-Stars' English re-recording of this song, sung by Anna Gholston, with rap by James C. Wilson; and the Japanese and English versions of Roll's theme song[64] composed by Yoshinori Ono.[53]
|Tatsunoko vs. Capcom:
Ultimate All-Stars
Famitsu's four reviewers each gave Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes a score of 8/10. They believed that its variety of characters and its fighting system were strong points, but found its gameplay to be slightly flat, as skilled players are obligated to use Baroque Combos repeatedly.[72] Licensing and resource issues made GameSpot's Ricardo Torres, IGN's John Tanaka, GamesRadar and other critics doubtful that the game would see an international release.[14][33][73] Describing the game's cast of licensed characters, Adam Sessler of X-Play stated that "clearing the American rights to show them all in one game would be a logistical nightmare."[74] He also pointed out the largely unknown cast to non-Japanese audiences—a notion IGN's Mark Bozon agreed with.[47][74] When Ultimate All-Stars debuted at E3 2009, it garnered numerous genre-specific awards,[75] and won the Game Critics Award for "Best Fighting Game".[76]
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars received positive reviews, with an average score of 85% on review aggregate sites Metacritic and GameRankings.[66][67] Critics praised its balance between accessibility and depth;[77][78] Adam Sessler called it the perfect game for the Wii's demographic, and remarked that it allows "grandmas, kiddies and junkies" to perform intricate combos, while including deeper gameplay mechanics for the "more refined palate".[71] Contrasting the game with previous Vs. titles, GameSpot reviewer Randolph Ramsay stated that its use of fewer buttons "may seem less complex [...], but this simplicity belies the depth of each character's move set."[4] Eurogamer's Matt Edwards believed that, compared to the separate buttons for punches and kicks in Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom's streamlined approach was moderately easy to learn. Edwards claimed that the game is a "slightly slower and more user-friendly Marvel, without losing the ability to pull-off crazy 50+ hit combos."[52]
Reviewers lauded the variety of Tatsunoko vs. Capcom's graphical presentation and character playstyles. Ben Kuchera of Ars Technica wrote that its over-the-top attacks can be "huge, colorful, screen-filling blasts of light and movement," and that combos "flash across the screen, claiming you landed billions of points of damage."[79] Adam Sessler and 1UP.com's Richard Li found that each character played in a vastly different way; Li explained that there are characters who take advantage of sheer speed and long range moves, others who use momentum to apply pressure to opponents and those who rely on a single opportune moment to deal vast amounts of damage.[38][71] Heidi Kemps of GamePro contrasted the game with Marvel vs. Capcom 2, and noted that "every combatant in Tatsunoko feels carefully designed to be unique, intriguing, and most importantly, worth investing time into mastering."[80] Bozon, Edwards, and VideoGamer.com's Wesley Yin-Poole believed that the characters were well-animated, and chained attacks together seamlessly.[17][52][81]
Li criticized Capcom for not providing an easy alternative to unlock characters since the multiple Arcade mode playthroughs needed to unlock them could be frustrating.[38] Nintendo World Report's Neal Ronaghan mentioned it can get tedious,[82] and echoing Li's sentiment, Ryan Scott of GameSpy complained that "arcade mode needs to be left to die," as multiplayer is the primary reason for playing fighting games.[69] Both Scott and Ramsay thought many of the other unlockables obtainable through Arcade mode didn't offer sufficient value.[4][69] Reviewers had mixed experiences with its online component; GameDaily's Robert Workman reported that it ran fluidly, but Scott said that the game lagged often enough to be unplayable.[69][83] Edwards thought "the netcode hasn't shown itself to be particularly sturdy," but the situation may improve as the number of local players increase.[52] Both Bozon and GameTrailers said that performance depends on each player's connection; the latter explained that lag is more likely to occur when playing against a distant opponent.[17][70]
The game's soundtrack was lauded,[17] with Robert Workman of GameDaily highlighting its "fantastic mix of strong techno tunes and dramatic battle themes."[83] Ramsay cited its "convincing battle effects" and "catchy music"; he believed that the latter complemented the game's dynamic nature and presentation.[4] Bozon and Official Nintendo Magazine's Chris Scullion expressed annoyance with the voice work of the top-down shooter minigame.[17][84] Bozon explained that three of the four playable characters yell every time they fire.[17]
Critics speculated on the commercial risk of localizing Tatsunoko vs. Capcom for the Wii.[38][80][81] Kemps considered it a risky undertaking for Capcom, as the console isn't renowned for fighting titles, and as the game abandons the three-on-three matches of the Marvel titles—which popularized the Vs. series—in favor of the two-on-two formula used in the older, more obscure Vs. games.[80] Kemps and Bozon pointed out that the game's Tatsunoko characters are largely unknown to non-Japanese audiences; this caused Bozon to liken the game to a dark horse, as he considered it to be one of the Wii's best titles.[17][80] Li reported that "Many wondered why Capcom chose Nintendo's Wii as the exclusive platform [...], a multiplatform release would reach a broader audience, critics argued."[38] The game's quality led Yin-Poole to question whether it would stay exclusive to the Wii; he speculated, "Perhaps TvC is a test, then. If it sells even remotely well, maybe we'll see a sequel on Microsoft and Sony's consoles. Or maybe, fingers crossed, it'll add further weight to the case for [Marvel vs. Capcom 3]."[81]
- ^ a b c Eighting/Capcom (2010), p. 7.
- ^ a b c d e f Hoffman, Chris (July 2009). "When Heroes Collide". Nintendo Power. Vol. 243. United States: Future US. pp. 48–50. ISSN 1041-9551.
- ^ a b c d Niizumi, Hirohiko (2008-07-10). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom Beta Test Hands-On". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2010-07-17. Retrieved 2010-07-17.
- ^ a b c d e f g Ramsay, Randolph (2010-01-27). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. pp. 1–2. Archived from the original on 2010-02-24. Retrieved 2010-05-01.
- ^ Eighting/Capcom (2010), p. 18.
- ^ Eighting/Capcom (2010), p. 20.
- ^ a b "TGS 2009: Tatsunoko VS. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars, It's Frank West, Baby!" (Press release). Capcom. 2009-09-23. Retrieved 2009-12-05.
- ^ a b c Eighting/Capcom (2010), pp. 19, 21.
- ^ a b Eighting/Capcom (2010), pp. 24–35.
- ^ Eighting/Capcom (2010), pp. 16–17.
- ^ a b Eighting/Capcom (2010), p. 22.
- ^ Eighting/Capcom (2010), p. 19.
- ^ "Combo System". Official Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: UAS site. Capcom. Archived from the original on 2010-06-12. Retrieved 2010-07-24.
- ^ a b Tanaka, John (2008-12-11). "Tatsunoko VS Capcom Playtest; We try out the import of the Japan-only crossover fighter". IGN. Fox Interactive Media. Archived from the original on 2009-02-15. Retrieved 2010-01-22.
- ^ Eighting (2008-12-11). Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes (Wii) (in Japanese). Capcom. Level/area: Main menu, Shop.
- ^ a b Killian, Seth (2010-01-28). "Seth Killian speaks on DLC for Tatsunoko vs. Capcom". GameZone (Interview: Transcript). Interviewed by Dakota Grabowski. Archived from the original on 2010-01-31. Retrieved 2010-01-28.
SK: It's a proprietary piece of hardware based on the Wii. I don't know the technical name since it's not in wide release, but I've installed a few, and they look a lot like Wiis.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Bozon, Mark (2010-01-22). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom Review: Ultimate All Stars; Here comes a new challenger!". IGN. Fox Interactive Media. Archived from the original on 2010-01-25. Retrieved 2010-01-22.
- ^ Eighting/Capcom (2010), pp. 12–13.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "前作でやれなかったことを!『タツノコ VS. CAPCOM UAS』開発者インタビュー". Dengeki Online (in Japanese). ASCII Media Works. 2010-02-11. pp. 1–2. Archived from the original on 2010-06-23. Retrieved 2011-01-09.
- ^ a b Niitsuma, Ryota (2009-11-09). "Gamasutra Versus Capcom: The Tatsunoko Interview". Gamasutra (Interview: Transcript). Interviewed by Christian Nutt. Archived from the original on 2010-05-09. Retrieved 2009-11-21.
- ^ Leahy, Brian (2010-01-25). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All Stars Review". G4TV. Archived from the original on 2012-11-08. Retrieved 2010-12-18.
- ^ Gertsmann, Jeff (2008-10-24). "Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 Review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2009-04-14. Retrieved 2011-02-27.
- ^ "GameSpot's Best of 2007: Best Fighting Game". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2011-06-28. Retrieved 2011-02-27.
- ^ Niitsuma, Ryota (2010-01-29). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom Preview". VideoGamer.com (Interview: Transcript). Interviewed by Wesley Yin-Poole. Archived from the original on 2012-10-17. Retrieved 2011-09-21.
- ^ a b Orry, Tom (2008-11-03). "'Do not rule out' Tatsunoko vs. Capcom western release". VideoGamer.com. Pro-G. Archived from the original on 2011-09-10. Retrieved 2009-05-25.
- ^ Tanaka, John (2008-05-22). "Street Fighter Versus Anime". IGN. Fox Interactive Media. Archived from the original on 2008-10-06. Retrieved 2009-05-29.
- ^ Torres, Ricardo (2009-06-03). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars First Look". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2009-06-26. Retrieved 2010-07-13.
- ^ "カプコン、ロケテストを東京と大阪で7月10日より順次開催 AC「タツノコ VS. Capcom Cross Generation Of Heroes」". Game Watch (in Japanese). Impress Group. 2008-06-30. Archived from the original on 2009-03-18. Retrieved 2011-01-13.
- ^ IGN Staff (2008-09-17). "Tatsunoko VS Capcom Set for Wii". IGN. Fox Interactive Media. Archived from the original on 2009-01-14. Retrieved 2009-05-29.
- ^ Tanaka, John (2008-11-03). "Viewtiful Joe Coming to Tatsunoko VS Capcom". IGN. Fox Interactive Media. Archived from the original on 2009-03-08. Retrieved 2010-05-26.
- ^ Tanaka, John (2008-07-25). "New Tatsunoko VS Capcom Characters". IGN. Fox Interactive Media. Archived from the original on 2009-01-29. Retrieved 2009-05-29.
- ^ Niizumi, Hirohiko (2008-09-19). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom crosses over to Wii". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2012-03-31. Retrieved 2013-11-18.
- ^ a b c d Killian, Seth (2009-06-11). "E3 09: Tatsunoko vs Capcom – Interview". GamesRadar (Interview: Audio). Interviewed by Games Radar. Archived from the original on 2011-06-16. Retrieved 2009-06-16.
The way we actually settled on the character lineup was sort of like to the horror of the marketing department. Basically, the development team was allowed to just pick whoever they thought was awesome, so, on the Tatsunoko side are characters all from their youth that they really liked and really wanted to see in a game.
- ^ a b Crecente, Brian (2010-01-22). "The Lost Characters of Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom". Kotaku. Gawker Media. Archived from the original on 2011-06-20. Retrieved 2010-07-27.
- ^ a b Holmes, Jonathan (2010-01-29). "A better look at the stuff cut from Tatsunoko Vs Capcom". Destructoid. Retrieved 2014-01-17.
- ^ a b "Fighting Talk with Ryota Niitsuma, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom's Producer". NGamer. October 2009. p. 35.
- ^ a b Yin-Poole, Wesley (2009-10-07). "Capcom: No plans for Tatsunoko vs. Capcom XBLA/PSN port". VideoGamer.com. Pro-G. Archived from the original on 2012-03-31. Retrieved 2010-01-09.
- ^ a b c d e Li, Richard (2010-01-28). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars Review". 1UP.com. UGO Networks. Archived from the original on 2011-01-27. Retrieved 2010-12-18.
- ^ "Capcom can no longer sell Tatsunoko vs. Capcom due to rights laps". Eurogamer. 2012-11-08. Retrieved 2012-11-08.
- ^ Kramer, Chris (2008-05-06). "Capcom (and you!) At E3 2009". Capcom-Unity. Capcom. Archived from the original on 2009-05-10. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
- ^ Kramer, Chris (2008-05-18). "Capcom E3 Mystery Game #1 revealed in July Nintendo Power". Capcom-Unity. Capcom. Archived from the original on 2009-05-22. Retrieved 2009-05-18.
- ^ Bramwell, Tom (2009-03-06). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom heading West". Eurogamer. Eurogamer Network. Archived from the original on 2009-06-24. Retrieved 2009-05-19.
- ^ Niitsuma, Ryota (2009-08-03). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom Comic-Con 09 Producer Interview". G4 (U.S. TV channel) (Interview: Video). Interviewed by G4 Staff. Archived from the original on 2011-11-30. Retrieved 2011-01-26.
- ^ jgonzo (2010-01-08). "All-New Endings in Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars, Courtesy of Udon". Capcom-Unity. Capcom. Archived from the original on 2010-01-09. Retrieved 2011-01-09.
- ^ Niitsuma, Ryota (producer) with translator (2010-01-20). Unity Events (Streaming media) (in Japanese and English). Capcom. Event occurs at 35:21. Archived from the original on 2010-07-18. Retrieved 2010-12-19.
There wasn't enough time to try to localize the animated endings for the characters. There were a lot of issues involved with that - that we can't really go into.
- ^ "E3 09: Five new characters coming to the US Tatsunoko" (Press release). Capcom. 2009-06-02. Archived from the original on 2009-06-05. Retrieved 2009-06-04.
- ^ a b Bozon, Mark (2009-06-03). "E3 2009: Tatsunoku vs. Capcom Hands-on". IGN. Fox Interactive Media. Archived from the original on 2009-06-12. Retrieved 2009-06-04.
- ^ Sinclair, Brendan (2009-06-03). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom might go online, add new fighters". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2009-06-21. Retrieved 2009-06-04.
- ^ Tanaka, John (2009-09-09). "Character Unveil: Tatsunoko vs. Capcom". IGN. Fox Interactive Media. Archived from the original on 2011-03-28. Retrieved 2010-12-25.
- ^ Gantayat, Anoop (2009-09-10). "Tatsunoko VS Capcom Characters Leak Out". IGN. Fox Interactive Media. Archived from the original on 2009-09-14. Retrieved 2009-11-23.
- ^ Cipriano, Jason (2009-10-22). "'Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom' Leaves One Character Out ... Again". MTV Multiplayer. MTV. Archived from the original on 2010-04-24. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
- ^ a b c d e Edwards, Matt (2010-02-01). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars Review Wii Review". Eurogamer. Eurogamer Network. pp. 1–2. Archived from the original on 2010-04-01. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
- ^ a b Eighting (2010-01-26). Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars (Wii). Capcom. Level/area: Credits.
- ^ Killian, Seth; Ishizawa, Hidetoshi (2009-09-17). "Introducing Tatsunoko Vs Capcom Game Director Ishizawa-san". Capcom-Unity. Capcom. Retrieved 2009-09-17.
- ^ "Good news/Bad news: Tatsunoko Vs Capcom NYC event update" (Press release). Capcom. 2010-01-17. Archived from the original on 2010-01-20. Retrieved 2010-06-18.
- ^ "Nintendo Unveils its Video Game Lineup For Early 2010" (Press release). Nintendo. 2009-12-14. Archived from the original on 2013-07-19. Retrieved 2013-11-18.
- ^ "Tatsunoko Vs Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars (Nintendo Wii)". Capcom Europe. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-11-18.
- ^ Holmes, Jonathan; Zimmerman, Conrad; and Topher Cantler (2010-04-22). "Bit Transmission episode 6 with Capcom's Seth Killian". Destructoid. Retrieved 2010-12-18.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
- ^ "2010年テレビゲームソフト売り上げTOP1000(メディアクリエイト版)". Geimin. 2011-04-25. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2011-04-25.
- ^ "2009年テレビゲームソフト売り上げTOP1000(ファミ通版)". Geimin. 2010. Archived from the original on 2011-07-23. Retrieved 2011-04-25.
- ^ "Mad Catz Announces Licensed Tatsunoko VS. Capcom Arcade FightStick For Nintendo Wii". IGN. Fox Interactive Media. 2010-01-05. Archived from the original on 2010-01-10. Retrieved 2010-06-11.
- ^ "Tatsunoko VS. Capcom: Have you pre-ordered? Niitsuma-san has!". Capcom-Unity. Capcom. 2010-01-11. Archived from the original on 2010-03-17. Retrieved 2010-07-07.
- ^ "Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom Ultimate All-Stars(Wii)/ イーカプ限定特典「シークレットフ" (in Japanese). Capcom Japan. Archived from the original on 2010-07-08. Retrieved 2010-07-07.
- ^ a b Killian, Seth; Niitsuma, Ryota (2009-12-18). "Tatsunoko Vs Capcom Dev Blog: Music, Concept Art, and the Last Boss that Never Was". Capcom-Unity. Capcom. Archived from the original on 2009-12-20. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- ^ Eighting (2008-12-11). Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes (Wii). Capcom. Level/area: Credits.
- ^ a b "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars for Wii". GameRankings. Retrieved 2017-06-26.
- ^ a b c "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars (wii: 2010) Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
- ^ "Reviews: Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars for Wii". GameRankings. Retrieved 2017-06-26.
- ^ a b c d Scott, Ryan (2010-01-25). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom Review; Marvel vs. Capcom 3! Except, better!". GameSpy. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2010-12-12. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
- ^ a b "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars (review)". GameTrailers. 2010-01-27. Archived from the original on 2015-06-18. Retrieved 2015-06-18.
- ^ a b c Sessler, Adam (Editor-in-chief) (January 2010). Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars review (flv) (Television production). Los Angeles: G4 (U.S. TV channel). Retrieved 2010-12-09.
- ^ Gifford, Kevin (2008-12-03). "Japan Review Check: Tatsunoko vs. Capcom". 1UP.com. UGO Networks. Archived from the original on 2011-11-30. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
- ^ Killian, Seth (2009-05-27). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom Interview With Seth Killian". GameSpot (Interview: Video). Interviewed by Ricardo Torres. Archived from the original on 2009-06-01. Retrieved 2009-05-29.
Hey folks, its Ricardo and I am standing next to this year's unicorn [...] we talked about last year and I said was probably never going to come out to the States. Seth from Capcom here is about to prove me wrong [...]
- ^ a b Sessler, Adam (Editor-in-chief) (2009-01-23). "Dawn of the Afro". X-Play. Episode 20090123. Los Angeles. G4 (U.S. TV channel).
- ^ Killian, Seth (2009-06-23). "Tatsunoko Vs Capcom Ultimate All-Stars Wins Game Critics E3 Award!". Capcom-Unity. Capcom. Archived from the original on 2009-06-27. Retrieved 2010-01-28.
- ^ "Game Critics Awards – 2009 Winners". Game Critics Awards. Retrieved 2011-09-09.
- ^ O'Donnell, Steven; Bendixsen, Stephanie (2010-02-27). "Good Game: Spawn Point stories – Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars". Good Game: Spawn Point. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 2010-08-12. Retrieved 2010-12-11.
- ^ Kitts, Martin (2009-12-30). "Tatsunoko vs Capcom Ultimate All Stars". NGamer. Future plc: 70–71.
- ^ Kuchera, Ben (2010-01-27). "Why you need to play Tatsunoko vs. Capcom RIGHT NOW". Ars Technica. Condé Nast Publications. Archived from the original on 2010-10-31. Retrieved 2011-01-26.
- ^ a b c d Kemps, Heidi (2010-01-25). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars Review". GamePro. GamePro Media. Archived from the original on 2010-02-02. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
- ^ a b c Yin-Poole, Wesley (2010-02-02). "TvC Review". VideoGamer.com. Pro-G. p. 3. Archived from the original on 2011-09-10. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
- ^ Ronaghan, Neal (2010-01-30). "Review: Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All Stars". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on 2010-10-18. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
- ^ a b Workman, Robert (2010-01-28). "Tatsunoko vs Capcom Ultimate All-Stars Review". GameDaily. AOL. Archived from the original on 2010-01-30. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
- ^ Scullion, Chris (2010-01-25). "Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Who needs Street Fighter IV?". Official Nintendo Magazine. Future plc. Archived from the original on 2010-02-02. Retrieved 2010-12-17.
- Bibliography
- Eighting; Capcom (2010-01-26). Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars Instruction Manual. Capcom.
External linksEdit
- "Official website". Archived from the original on 16 December 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
- Tatsunoko vs. Capcom on Capcom-Unity.com
- Tatsunoko vs. Capcom at Nintendo (US site) (UK site)


text:
DETROIT – Any debate over leasing Detroit's Belle Isle Park to the state of Michigan appears to be over, now that emergency manager Kevyn Orr is in charge of the city's crippled finances.
When the proposal first surfaced earlier this year, the debate was intense and emotional, and the plan was rejected. But at a public meeting Monday night, Kevyn Orr made his position clear.
"I would pursue leasing Belle Isle to the state. I'm going to pursue that because that relieves us of a $6 million obligation. I would not sell it," Orr said.
The island park would remain the property of the city of Detroit, but state would manage the island as a state park.
On Tuesday afternoon, Gene Nix, of Inkster, was on Belle Isle where he voiced his support for Orr's plan.
"I think it's a good idea. It's a beautiful park and it needs the money. It needs the money into it for beautifying the park. You can see it needs work," Nix said.
While the decision to lease the park to the state is a quick and easy one for Kevyn Orr, he also sees it as a way of bringing Belle Isle up the quality of Milliken State Park, on the Detroit Riverfront near the Renaissance Center.
"It relieves us of an obligation and, quite frankly, Milliken Park is a state park and I understand it is doing quite well," Orr said.
James Few was riding his recumbent bike around Milliken Park Tuesday. He would like to see Belle Isle become a state park too.
"I think it should happen. I think it should be a place where anybody can enjoy all these activities you can enjoy at Milliken Park," Few said.
Contacted by Local 4, spokesmen for the Governor's office said any state lease of Belle Isle would not likely take place this year, but 2014 could see Belle Isle Park join the state park system.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Erin Stephenson joined the Duke athletics staff in October of 2007 and serves as an Administrative Assistant for the Blue Devil lacrosse and soccer programs.
A native of Maine, N.Y., Stephenson played both field hockey and lacrosse at Hartwick College before graduating in 2004 with a bachelor of arts degree in history. She went on to earn a master's degree in the same discipline from UNC Greensboro in 2006.


text:
Pitfall is a video game, but can also be less specifically identified as an unforeseen or surprising difficulty. Since the latter function of "pitfall" is something no one cares about, this article will detail the video game. Designed for the Atari video game console in 1982, the game features a nameless explorer (ok, he had a name in the literature, but who reads the manual?) searching for treasure while performing ridiculously dangerous feats, liking jumping on the heads of crocodiles.
Pitfall performed utterly horrible in commercial sales, but gained fame as being mind-numbingly dull. Seriously, how long can you walk back and forth and jump over pits in the ground? I mean, you don't actually get to keep any of the treasure once you win. As far as I'm concerned, Pitfall is about as enjoyable as a lobotomy, and the effects on the player are comparable.
I thought House of the Seven Gables was dull, but then I ran into Pitfall. The main character doesn't even have a name!
It takes an entire sequel to establish his name. That would be like living your entire life without a name, and then naming yourself after you die. The difference, however, is that the Pitfall guy was reincarnated in several sequels which nobody played, whereas when you are dead, you are out of extra mans for good. Well, at least there would be something on the tombstone, right?
In any case, there are also some enemies, although they are only enemies in the sense that you run into them and you die. When Pitfall was made, enemy AI meant "move x pixels left, move y pixels right, repeat." I know what you are thinking: brilliance, sheer brilliance. Enemies range from rattlesnakes, scorpions, crocodiles, and logs. By far, logs are the deadliest due to their vicious nature. Seriously, those things will hunt you down until all the bones in your ten pixel body are crushed. Logs tend to travel in packs of two, but don't be fooled by the limited size of these hunting parties -- the log population is thought by experts to contain millions, if not billions, of individual logs. And by experts I mean I just made up those figures (citation is for pansies).
Pitfall has a majestic simplicity to it that hearkens back to the old days where controllers had buttons only from the beginning of the alphabet. Then again, a game where you can only go back and forth and jump isn't exactly what people would call entertaining today. Even Mario could shoot fireballs and do other crazy stuff.
Essentially, Pitfall plays like this:
|You are stranded in a jungle where, fortunate for you, a perfectly cut trail through an otherwise uncivilized locale exists. Following this trail, you discover numerous treasures that can make you richer beyond your dreams. Along with these treasures, though, you also find quicksand, crocodile-infested ponds, tar pits, and scorpion-filled caves. Oh yeah, there are also some brick walls randomly in the middle of the jungle too. What, you never knew brick walls were naturally occurring phenomena? You thought people built them? Who said you could stop taking your meds?
Wandering forlornly in this disconsolate wasteland of an Atari-generated jungle, the only redemption from the depths of the tar pits and crocodile ponds hovers above your head: vines. These pendulum-like plants with an impeccable periodicity are perhaps the easiest way of not getting EATEN ALIVE BY A CROCODILE or SUCKED TO THE BOTTOM OF A TAR PIT. Sure, the whole vine swinging thing is reminiscent of Tarzan, but who cares? Your only other option is jumping on top of the crocodiles' heads like in that James Bond movie or daring to cross over the dry land that appears over the tar pits.
Technical Specifications[edit]
<haughty guffaw> Well, the most technical thing about Atari in general is its laughable graphics and tank-sized circuitboard. I am fairly certain that that board is big enough that someone wearing boxing gloves and having a seizure could solder the components on. And the graphics, I've seen babies still covered in fetal slime and having yet to grow fingers do better on Paint.
Pitfall sold exactly three copies. One was accidental, another was the result of last-minute gift shopping at the thrift store, and the third was purchased on eBay by username 73/-/ 1337 94/v\3r. Yes, it sold so poorly that it was still in its prime by the advent of the Internet. Actually in all seriousness, Pitfall did moderately well in sales, selling about four million copies. Then again, that last sentence may just be Wikipedian propaganda since we all know that this article is factually infallible. I AM NOT EVEN KIDDING.
- The music of Pit, when played backwards, was first thought to contain satanic messages. Then it was realized that it sounds basically the same. As a matter of fact, the Atari had two sound channels, one of which was white noise. Boy, that was a brilliant design, don't you think?
- If you fall in a hole during the game, you lose one hundred points. What this fails to reveal is the fact that you are now stuck in a hole. Because we assume the bottom of this hole is quite dark, you are likely to be eaten by a grue. And by the way, a grue won't care how much gold and diamonds you've collected so far, it eats you no matter what.
- You start the game with 2000 points. By performing various complex mathematical calculations, this suggests that you can fall down twenty holes and still break even. I'm liking those odds.
See also[edit]
- Atari
- conveniently two-dimensional jungles
- hole in the ground aka the pits into which you fall
- Grue
- logs


text:
| 12.9°C Belfast
Amanda Knox claims there is "no logic" to an Italian court's decision to reinstate her conviction for the murder of British student Meredith Kercher.
The appeal court in Florence has issued a 337-page document explaining why it restored the guilty charge against Knox and her former Italian boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito in January.
It says it was American former student Knox who delivered the fatal knife blow to her 21-year-old roommate in 2007.
It adds that the British student's wounds indicate multiple aggressors and that the two exchange students fought over money on the night of her death.
Kercher and Sollecito were first convicted for the murder in 2009 but acquitted by the High Court in 2011 and released from prison. The appeal court convicted them for a second time in January.
In a written statement Knox said "I am innocent."
She said forensic evidence refutes the appeal court's theory that more than one person attacked Kercher and that a small kitchen knife was used in the murder, the Associated Press said.
Knox says she will now take the case to Italy's Supreme Court for an appeal.
If the court confirms the conviction a long extradition fight is expected for Knox, who is now living back in America.
Ms Kercher, 21, was found dead in the flat she and Knox shared in the town of Perugia. Her throat had been slashed and she had been sexually assaulted.
In its explanation the appeal court said that a third person convicted of the murder, Rudy Hermann Guede, did not act alone, and cited the nature of the victim's wounds, as well as finger imprints on her body indicating she had been restrained.
The said it had evidence of a fallout between the two roommates, including statements by Guede under police questioning that Ms Kercher had accused Knox of taking money from her room.
The document said : "It is a matter of fact that at a certain point in the evening events accelerated; the English girl was attacked by Amanda Marie Knox, by Raffaele Sollecito, who was backing up his girlfriend, and by Rudy Hermann Guede, and constrained within her own room."
It ruled out a sex game gone wrong because it was not in Ms Kercher's character.
Guede was convicted in a separate trial of sexually assaulting and stabbing Kercher. His 16-year sentence - reduced on appeal from 30 years - was upheld in 2010 by Italy's highest court, which said he had not acted alone.


text:
Monday, December 22, 2008
Happiness is a Warm Puppy Dog
Every year at Christmas time I get completely stressed out. I worry and obsess and try to create the perfect image of what a happy Christmas is suppose to be. The lights, the decorations, the tree, the treats, the presents. And I dread it. And I feel guilty for dreading it. And all of that worry, obsessing, dread and guilt wears me out.
This year though none of that matters. Life, (as well as our living room) got turned a bit upside down when Molasses entered into this final stage of her cancer. Funny thing is, I am starting to think that Mo didn't get the memo that she was supposedly on her way out, and I am so happy! As a matter of fact, this is the happiest I have felt during the Christmas season in a long time.
We joke that our blanket and towel covered living room, which I have affectionately dubbed Camp Mo, looks a bit like a crime scene, what with all of the little splatters of blood everywhere from her nose. Thankfully she hasn't had any bad bleeds in the last 2 days, but a sneeze or a simple shake of the head can send a few red droplets flying, (and we have been told that the hemorrhaging can, and will, start up again at anytime... which truthfully scares the daylights out of me.) She is more tired then usual, but considering that on Friday we were calling the Vets to make the preliminary arrangements for when the "time came", (which we all thought was going to be any day) she has rebounded remarkably well since then. Her appetite is still good, and she even gets a bit of energy now in the afternoons and plays a little with her toys.
Hubby is on vacation this week, and we now take turns sleeping by her side at night on the air mattress, and being with her during the day. The house decor is certainly not looking very festive, the tree is only half decorated, and half of the lights are burned out! I have completely slacked on the gifts, and only sent half of the Christmas cards on my list. But the home is filled with lots of love and joy and thanks to Molasses BooDill, I have my priorities straight this year. Forgive me, for I know I am stating the obvious, but it really is all about the love. Not the lights, nor the tree. Not the cards or the cookies. And not even the gifts on Christmas morning. It is just about the love. The Who's in Whoville had it right. So did Charles Schultz when he proclaimed that happiness was a warm puppy!
Thanks to everyone for their kind and loving words. Things are looking up that Mo will make it to her 12th Birthday on Christmas Day, which is all any of us here want. (However, we did give her a few early presents just in case. You never saw a dog love to open a present more then Mo. She won't steal your food, but she will steal your unopened presents!)
I have also been doing some quilting/sewing, when not watching Mo, as it is tops for filling my well and keeps me going. I hope to post some pictures here and some new items in my shop after the holidays.
Best wishes to all of you! xoxo
19 comments:
- SandraRee said...
Hey Victoria...big big hugs to Mo. I can see the love in her eyes...sweet darlin' she is. :)
Wishing you and your family a very Merry, Merry Christmas. Miss you. xoxo
- December 22, 2008 at 11:55 PM
- AshleyL. said...
OOOOH! How sweet!
I hope you and your pups have a very merry Christmas :)
- December 23, 2008 at 2:42 AM
- dutchcomfort said...
I've been thinking off you and Mo a lot. Glad to see she's still with you to celebrate Christmas. This year will be a very special one. Merry Christmas to you all and hugs and cuddles! Take care!
- December 23, 2008 at 3:37 AM
- High Desert Diva said...
"Love floods us with hope."
~ Jareb Teague
Best Christmas wishes...
- December 23, 2008 at 7:42 AM
- LiPeony said...
Hope your family and Mo have a wonderful holiday... =D
- December 23, 2008 at 8:43 AM
- Michelle Engel Bencsko said...
It IS about the love. It's always about the love. You will have a very loving Christmas this year and your hearts are wide open to catch every last bit of it with few distractions over more material notions. A Merry Christmas to you all plus a scruffle of the ears for Mo.
- December 23, 2008 at 11:13 AM
- Victoria Bennett Beyer said...
It's funny how a dog can teach us all we really need to know. They are more special than we can ever realize. Merry Christmas.
- December 23, 2008 at 12:14 PM
- kelly said...
This post fills me with joy. Thank you so much for sharing.
I hope that you and Mo and the rest of your family have a wonderful Christmas.
- December 23, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Hi Vic,
I've never been to your house, but it looks so pretty! I like your blankets all over, and Mo looks so sweet and comfy.
lots of love to all of you!
maggie french
- December 23, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Mo appears to be smiling contentedly in the new pictures - so you are doing a great job. Your house looks bright and festive and warm and Christmassy - another great job. So stop obsessing already! Merry Christmas to you and yours.
- December 23, 2008 at 1:22 PM
- please sir said...
Awww what sweet words and images to live by. You are so right in the holiday way. Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones!
- December 23, 2008 at 2:36 PM
- Jackie said...
Have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy every moment of Molasses.
- December 23, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Everyday is a holiday when you share your home with critters. All that fur equals love, love and more love. Give Mo kisses from me and my gang of fur.
- December 23, 2008 at 7:14 PM
- Mrs.French said...
I think sweet mo has brought the real meany of Christmas to your house...it is a miracle how sometimes the toughest moments teach us the most...thinking of you my dear...xo
- December 23, 2008 at 7:40 PM
- Fer said...
Lots of gentle pats to Mo, and hey, is that a toy wombat she's got there?
Nice to see you're also getting some sewing therapy in as well. It's amazing what this can do for you. :o)
- December 23, 2008 at 8:53 PM
- Unknown said...
Merry Christmas, Vic! Lots of love to Mo.
Maggie M.
- December 23, 2008 at 10:50 PM
- Hey Harriet said...
Mo looks so adorable & happy surrounded by blankies & loved ones. Yes, Charles Schulz was spot on. Happiness is indeed a warm puppy.
Merry Christmas to you Victoria & your family & also big birthday hugs for Mo! xo
- December 24, 2008 at 4:02 AM
- Julia said...
Warmest wishes for Christmas!
- December 24, 2008 at 7:50 AM
- Janis said...
Beautiful pictures of a beautiful soul. I wish you comfort and peace and lots more good moments and memories. She loves you so. XOXO
- December 24, 2008 at 11:04 PM


text:
Paper Money, Proof/Mint Sets, World Paper Money, Franklin Half Dollar and Commemoratives in Virginia
Integrity Coin Store
Business Contact: Richard Schornak
in Type Coins, Quarters, Paper Money, Key Date Coins, Half Dollars, Gold Coins, Dollars, Dimes, Commemoratives, Cents, Bullion, Appraisals, Buy & Sell, 5 Cents, 3 Cents
We maintain a large selection of collectible coins and currency. Certified and Raw, We utilize ANA grading standards on all coins that we sell. Friendly local services with many positive reviews. We provide a local web page along with a e-store.
372 Wythe Creek Rd
Ste E
Poquoson, Virginia 23693
United States
Cross Coin Company
Business Contact: Richard E. Cross
in Paper Money
PO Box 166
Hardy, Virginia 24101
United States


text:
Copper pop: Caspari readied for opening
On August 30, workers removed the plywood barricade from the former Foot Locker store on the Downtown Mall. The plywood had covered the new copper façade of Caspari, a high-end purveyor of paper products. Founded in 1945, Caspari sells embossed, engraved, and gilded stationary, party goods– paper napkins and plates– at upscale department stores such as Neiman-Marcus and Harrods. Three years ago, the company opened its first boutique in Paris. The Charlottesville space, in the Terraces mixed-use complex, is Caspari's first American boutique, as well as an extension of its New York design and merchandising offices. Calvin Wilkerson, project manager for Caliper Construction, says that glazing and interior build-out remain to finish the store, which may open in late October. "It was fun and challenging," says Wilkerson.


text:
Asked by Becca, California
I was wondering what the professional opinion on Vitamin Water is. How can it be zero calorie when it has over 5g of carbohydrate per serving? Also, should I be concerned about vitamin toxicity? I know most of them are water soluble, but could I accidentally be consuming a dangerous amount of things like vitamin C?
Diet and Fitness Expert
Dr. Melina Jampolis
Physician Nutrition Specialist
Hi Becca,
Rather than commenting on a specific product, I'll respond instead by discussing water, or any beverage for that matter, with added vitamins. Regarding your calorie question, many of these zero-calorie products contain sugar alcohols (sweeteners that end in "ol"), which are considered carbohydrates but are not metabolized by the body, so they do not contribute to the total calorie count of a product.
Regarding vitamin toxicity, the active vitamin levels that you are actually consuming are probably much lower than what is listed on the label. According to Diane L. McKay, Ph.D., FACN assistant professor, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, water-soluble vitamins, which include vitamin C and all the B vitamins, can degrade when they are subjected to water for a prolonged period. If you also subject them to heat and, for some, light, they will degrade even more rapidly.
In addition, the fat-soluble vitamins, which include A, E, D and K, are not absorbed unless they are consumed with fat. So unless you consume fortified beverages with a meal or a snack that contains some fat, you will not absorb any of these added vitamins. One exception is when vitamin D is added to fat-free milk or orange juice. In this case, the vitamin D is encapsulated to improve absorption.
Because the vitamin levels your body is absorbing are likely considerably less than what is listed on the bottle, vitamin toxicity from beverages alone is probably not a significant risk. However, it is worth considering in terms of total daily vitamin intake, especially when you take into account how many fortified foods Americans consume and how many of us take a daily multivitamin and additional dietary supplements. McKay notes that "When you consider how much you already get from other sources in your diet, you could be getting too much of a good thing. For some vitamins, like B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), and B12 there are no negative health effects of consuming high amounts. For others, like folate (or folic acid), niacin, B6, C, as well as all of the fat-soluble vitamins, the consequences of getting too much can range from something like diarrhea to irreversible nerve damage, or even liver damage."
So in my opinion, these products are not dangerous, but they are not a health food either (beyond the fact that they contain water). Nutrients should be consumed as close to their natural state as possible to ensure that you get all the potential health benefits. If products like this help you consume more water and don't drain your pocketbook, then enjoy them, but don't consider them a substitution for a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. And limit sugar-filled water and beverages, fortified or not, as these simply add rapidly digested calories to our already calorie-dense diets.
Follow Dr. Melina on Twitter
Previous question:
How to build a healthy PB&J« Back to Diet and Fitness
Next question:
Should I give protein shakes to my 8-year-old daughter?
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
The information contained on this page does not and is not intended to convey medical advice. CNN is not responsible for any actions or inaction on your part based on the information that is presented here. Please consult a physician or medical professional for personal medical advice or treatment.


text:
Diyarbakir Travel Guide
Superbly positioned on a bluff above a great loop in the Tigris, the old city of DİYARBAKIR shelters behind massive medieval walls of black basalt, enclosing a maze of cobbled streets and alleys. Many of its finest mosques and churches have been restored, and renovation work is in progress on many more. There's plenty of decent accommodation right in the heart of the walled city, plus enough cafés and restaurants to keep the average visitor more than happy.
Diyarbakır struggled to cope with an influx of Kurdish refugees fleeing the state–PKK war in the 1990s, many of whom now occupy old houses in the very heart of the walled city. As a result, this is now the most proudly and most overtly Kurdish city in Turkey.
Be aware, however, that Diyarbakır still has a definite "edge". Violent street demonstrations break out from time to time, while other potential hazards include bag-snatchers, pickpockets and the odd stone-throwing youngster. Indeed an old Arab saying runs "Black the walls, black the dogs, and black the hearts in black Diyarbakır". That said, avoid the backstreets around and after dusk, and you'll have no problem – the vast majority of the population are justly proud of their fascinating city, and very welcoming to visitors.
Brief history
Diyarbakır dates back at least five thousand years, to the Hurrian period. Later subject to successive periods of Urartian, Assyrian and Persian hegemony, it fell to Alexander the Great and his successors, the Seleucids, in the late fourth century BC.
The Romans, who knew Diyarbakır as Amida, appeared on the scene in 115 AD. Over the next few centuries they and their successors, the Byzantines, struggled violently over the town with the Sassanid Persians. It was the Romans who built the first substantial walls around the city in 297 AD, though those visible today are the result of Byzantine and Arab rebuilds. The threatening basalt bulwarks gave the place its popular ancient name – Amid the Black – which is still used in the Kurdish language. The modern name comes from the Arabs: in 638 the Bakr tribe of Arabs arrived and renamed the city Diyar Bakr, or "Place of the Bakr". With the decline of Arab influence, Diyarbakır became a Selçuk, then an Artukid, and finally an Ottoman stronghold.
The city's position on the banks of the fertile Tigris encouraged fruit growing, particularly watermelons which are still cultivated here. In the old days they are said to have weighed 100kg, and had to be transported by camel and sliced with a sword.
The Euphrates and Tigris basin
- Gaziantepchevron_right
- East of Gaziantep: towards Şanlıurfachevron_right
- Şanlıurfa and aroundchevron_right
- Harranchevron_right
- Kahtachevron_right
- Nemrut Dağıchevron_right
- Malatya and aroundchevron_right
- Diyarbakırchevron_right
- Mardin and aroundchevron_right
- The Tür Abdin plateauchevron_right
- Hasankeyfchevron_right
Book through Rough Guides' trusted travel partners
Turkey features
The latest articles, galleries, quizzes and videos.


text:
Milwaukee Brewers plan Miller Park improvements
Team adding climbing wall in right-field bleachers
MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers are planning improvements at Miller Park in 2013, including renovating the Dew Deck and Home Plate Lounge.
The Dew Deck is a seating area above the right-field bleachers. The Brewers plan to add a 25-foot-high rock climbing wall in the shape of a Mountain Dew can. The wall will be open for about three hours every game day and can accommodate up to four climbers at a time.
The team also plans to add new lighting, new ceilings and flat-panel televisions to the area.
The Brewers also plan to create a new fixed "chef's table" counter at the Home Plate Lounge this winter, as well as install a new concierge counter, new carpeting and new furniture.
Miller Park opened in April 2001.


text:
|Biosequences .. Software .. Molbio soft .. Network News .. FTP
My advice is to go into either marketing or law or both!! Thats what I did and i think its the way to go!! Sunny In <5n40hp$lud at usenet.srv.cis.pitt.edu> hmbst7 at vms.cis.pitt.edu writes: > >Hi. My mane is Heather Brockway. I was advised to post here by a friend from >scr.research. I'm a recent graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with a >BS in Biological Sciences. I'm looking for advice on what to do now. I'm >considering grad school, I'm not sure I want to make that kind of committment >right now. I extremely interested in genetics and/or botany. I would like to >try research to see if that path might be good for me. Unfortunately, >the only lab experience I have is the course work I have done. I have been >told that being unskilled isn't uncommon. I'm looking specifically for >advice on how to "break" into a research career. I have applied for several >positions within the University but it seems that I can't get in. Does anyone >have any suggestions. Any advice will be sincerely appreciated!! Thanks in >advance!!! >Heather


text:
Here we have a study in comparative scale. On a 454 or 460, this monstrous B&M supercharger would look normal, but here, perched atop a smaller V8 of unknown displacement, it looks ludicrous... ludicrously AWESOME! Sure, the engine is probably spending most of its time powering just the charger, but jeebus, that whine must sound heavenly when at full snort. Oh baby. In the gallery is the teeny tiny but banshee fast roots unit mounted so high I had to look up to see it! Okay, that's an exaggeration, but it was at least chest level, at least. And look at those headers! Ugly and cool.
Billetproof 2007: Hot Rod Like it's 1959 [internal]


text:
About Us
Global Credential Evaluators, Inc. was founded in 1990 as an independent, non-governmental professional organization providing timely, accurate and professional evaluations of international academic documents. GCE has offices in Texas and Mississippi.
Our Services
We provide three different types of foreign academic evaluations: Document-by-Document Report, Document-by-Document with GPA Report, or Course-by-Course Report. Please contact the admitting agency or institution to determine the type you require.
Please read all the information before submitting an application. Following these guidelines will ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.Learn More »
Applications can be submitted via postal service or online. All applications must include native language documents, with English translations, and appropriate fee. Prior to completing application, please check with the admitting institution or entity if they will accept a report completed by GCE, Inc. Learn More
FAQ Learn More »
Independent Educational Evaluators
- Over 100 years of combined senior evaluator experience
- Expedited turnaround of 15 – 20 business days in most cases
- Competitive pricing
- Member of NACES® 2004-Present


text:
Aren't you proud to be doing BJJ? Wear this awesome OSS White Belt Funny BJJ Tank Top and show your friends how cool it is! Entertain your rolling buddies with some BJJ humor! Have this tank top or racerback be part of your everyday jiu jitsu lifestyle. When you are not wearing your GI, wear this OSS White Belt Funny BJJ Tank Top! This OSS White Belt Funny BJJ Tank Top is the perfect gift for your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu friend or family member. When they are not on the mat rolling, they should be wearing this cool BJJ tank top. Cool gift for your grappling partner. If you are looking for a birthday present for someone who trains Jiu Jitsu, you've come to the right place! Get this awesome tee and surprise your BJJ partner. If you are looking for a gift for your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach, look no further!
We promise the highest quality on the market.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee! Please check our size chart and description below
Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special. Buy Now!
All products are made to order. We do our best to proceed them as soon as possible! Production time is 2-4 days.3 days in Avarage.
Shipping time depends from the product and the location
Domestic:1 - 2 Weeks
International:2 - 4 Weeks
Join thousands delighted customers!
You have a problem?! We've got it covered.
Collections: Catalog


text:
What Does Pain Look Like? Scientists May Now Have an Idea
Scientists were able to predict how much pain people were feeling by looking at images of their brains, according to a new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2013 — What does pain look like? Scientists may now have a better idea, and they may someday be able to use the information to diagnose pain in cases where a person is unable to communicate — in infants, for example, or someone who is paralyzed.
For the first time, researchers were able to predict how much pain people were in by looking at special brain scans called fMRIs, according to a new study conducted at the University of Colorado Boulder and other institutions. The findings were published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Currently, pain can only be measured based on a patient's description and on pain ratings on a scale of 1 to 10. The new research may lead to development of reliable tests doctors could use to objectively measure a patient's pain.
"Right now, there's no clinically acceptable way to measure pain and other emotions other than to ask a person how they feel," said Tor Wager, PhD, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at CU-Boulder and lead author of the paper, in a press release.
"We absolutely need to ask people how they feel, and we need to believe their answers," Dr. Wager wrote in an e-mail interview. "Pain is by definition a subjective experience, and it will remain so. What we can provide is objective measures for some of the brain correlates, or 'ingredients' of pain."
For the study, researchers used computer data-mining techniques to comb through fMRIs of 114 brains that were taken when subjects were exposed to pain, in this case, when they were exposed to different levels of heat ranging from warm to painfully hot.
The scientists fed the data into a computer and identified a consistent pattern that showed a neurological marker in the brain for pain.
"We found a pattern across multiple systems in the brain that is diagnostic of how much pain people feel in response to painful heat," Wager said in the release.
Before conducting the study, researchers thought that if they could find a pain signature in the brain, it would be unique to every individual, so they assumed a person's pain level could only be predicted based on past images of his or her own brain. But instead the researchers found the brain signature in people experiencing pain was similar among different participants. Identifying this signature allowed them to predict with 90 percent to 100 percent accuracy how much pain a person was having, even without seeing a prior brain scan on that individual.
Physical But Not Emotional Pain
The brain pattern identified by the Colorado researchers represented only physical pain, they said. Other studies have suggested emotional pain may look similar to physical pain in a brain scan, but when researchers looked at scans of people who had just broken up with a significant other, they didn't see the brain signature that was present in those experiencing physical pain.
The researchers are hoping their findings can set the stage for new methods of using brain scans to objectively measure emotional states like anxiety, depression, and anger. Further testing will help them determine whether the neurological signature for pain will hold up when applied to different types of pain, and whether the signature could be used to develop a way to quantify chronic pain.
"The pattern we have found is not a measure of chronic pain, but we think it may be an 'ingredient' of chronic pain under some circumstances," said Wager in the release. "Understanding the different contributions of different systems to chronic pain and other forms of suffering is an important step towards understanding and alleviating human suffering."
Photo credit: Tor Wager


text:
Independent Sales Representative – Garfield County
?About the Organization:?BigIron is committed to continually improving with a state of the art online platform, global marketing and BigIron Independent Sales Representatives across the nation. From this commitment, we have grown to become the largest unreserved online auction serving rural America, selling tens of thousands of items through weekly unreserved auctions to registered bidders representing a global marketplace.?Rural Connections. With straightforward, efficient buying and selling, we are seamlessly connecting buyers and sellers from all across rural America and beyond.?Respected Values. With our honest, safe and reliable auctions, you can be confident in your decision to buy or sell with BigIron.?Real Deals. With our unreserved auctions, at the drop of the hammer everything sells to the highest bidder.??Job Description:An Independent Sales Representative (ISR) role presents a tremendous career and sustainable income opportunity for qualified individuals desiring to build their own business and participate in a proven growth formula. Independent Sales Representatives are responsible for establishing business relationships with local individuals to list, promote and sell equipment. BigIron will assign all Independent Sales Representatives (ISR's) an area of responsibility for which they will be expected to acquire new sellers through both designated leads and proven relationship selling experience.??Position Requirements:Experience working in Agriculture, Sales, or a related fieldExisting relationships in the local marketComputer proficiency to include Microsoft OfficeAbility to manage business and administrative activitiesAREA OF ASSIGNED RESPONSIBILITY (AAR)? D06 – Garfield County?EOE STATEMENTBigIron supports equal opportunity in all its relationships including Independent Contractors. All submissions will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.Apply for this job.


text:
Several City buildings offering municipal services are open to the public by appointment only, including: City Hall, the Municipal Service Center, DPW&P (East Worcester St. & Skyline Drive), Worcester Police Department, Inspectional Services/Worcester Fire Department. All locations will open with limited capacity, restricted hours and stringent safety protocols.
City Hall: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (9 - 10 a.m. restricted to senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems/vulnerabilities)
Following state mandates and public health recommendations, there will be limited capacity to allow for social distancing, with door monitors at both the entrance and exit to assist. Entry will not be permitted without a mask (masks will be available for those who do not have one). All visitors will be required to sign in upon entry and their information will be recorded for the purposes of contact tracing.
Schedule Your Appointment
To pay a municipal bill online, go to our Online Payments Page or mail payments for:
Parking Tickets to P.O. Box 15595, Worcester, MA 01615-0595
Excise Tax, Personal Property Tax, Real Estate Tax and Water/Sewer Bills to P.O. Box 15588, Worcester, MA 01615-0588 or pay at any People's United Bank branch if accompanied by the printed tax bill stub. To find the location nearest you, please see their website at www.peoples.com/branches-atms.
For information on vital records (e.g. birth, death, marriage certificates) please call 508-799-1121 or email firstname.lastname@example.com
For urgent issues requiring the attention of City Hall staff, please contact the appropriate department by phone as listed on our Contact Us Page or by calling the Customer Service Center at 508-929-1300.
For information regarding the Coronavirus, please click the button below or call the Coronavirus info line at 508-799-1019.
Learn More - Coronavirus
Reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m.
See the attached flyer below for details.
City of Worcester
Customer Service Line
Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Contact Us
© 2020 Copyright City of Worcester, MA. All Rights Reserved.
Official City of Worcester, MA Website WorcesterMA.gov


text:
Career Center
Job Seekers, Welcome to AACOM Job Connection
RN Coordinator - CHRISTUS Command Center
CHRISTUS Health
RN Coordinator - CHRISTUS Command Center
CHRISTUS Health
Powered By
| Description
This position should give high priority to customer service and complete customer satisfaction. This position should accurately listen and respond appropriately to requests made by transferring physicians, hospitals and peers. To ensure patients are assigned rooms in an expedient manner, this position will utilize all critical resources within the organization to expedite this process. This position must ensure all paperwork and computer entry is checked for accuracy and continually enhances their knowledge regarding processes. This position will coordinate the successful transfer and placement of patients entering via the CHRISTUS Command Center. This position will effectively communicate with the surgery department, emergency department, nursing units, physician offices, and outlying facilities to ensure appropriate placement of patients in a timely manner. This position must be able to adjust through a rapidly changing environment.
Work Type:
Full Time


text:
Wilderness Fellows Program 2017
The summary for the Wilderness Fellows Program 2017 grant is detailed below. This summary states who is eligible for the grant, how much grant money will be awarded, current and past deadlines, Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) numbers, and a sampling of similar government grants. Verify the accuracy of the data FederalGrants.com provides by visiting the webpage noted in the Link to Full Announcement section or by contacting the appropriate person listed as the Grant Announcement Contact. If any section is incomplete, please visit the website for the National Park Service, which is the U.S. government agency offering this grant.
Wilderness Fellows Program 2017: The Wilderness Fellows Program will be accomplished through an established partnership agreement with a non-profit organization, ACE, and will involve interns as â¿¿Wilderness Fellows.â¿ The NPS, ACE, and the participants will work together to increase their understanding of environmental stewardship and participants will share this with their communities.
|Federal Grant Title:
|Wilderness Fellows Program 2017
|Federal Agency Name:
|National Park Service (DOI-NPS)
|Grant Categories:
|Education Natural Resources
|Type of Opportunity:
|Funding Opportunity Number:
|Type of Funding:
|Cooperative Agreement
|CFDA Numbers:
|CFDA Descriptions:
|Information not provided
|Current Application Deadline:
|No deadline provided
|Original Application Deadline:
|No deadline provided
|Posted Date:
|June 12th, 2017
|Creation Date:
|June 12th, 2017
|Archive Date:
|July 12th, 2017
|Total Program Funding:
|Maximum Federal Grant Award:
|Minimum Federal Grant Award:
|Expected Number of Awards:
|Cost Sharing or Matching:
|Last Updated:
|June 12th, 2017
- Applicants Eligible for this Grant
- Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Link to Full Grant Announcement
- http://grants.gov
- Grant Announcement Contact
- Tina Holland 307-344-2082
- Similar Government Grants
- • Archeological Research Associates
- • Park Cultural Landscapes Program Multiple Media Intern
- • Every 4th Grade Student to a National Park
- • Rehabilitate Two Foot Bridges in Prince William Forest Park
- • Resource Stewardship and Interpretive Interns at Lewis and Clark NHP
- • National Park Service-Recovery Act-Rehabilitate three trails at Isle Royale National Park
- • National Park Service-Recovery Act-Rehabilitate Trails at Isle Royale National Park
- • Opportunity NPS-09WASO-00001
- More Grants from the National Park Service
- • Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Area
- • Essex National Heritage Area
- • Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area
- • Lackawanna Valley National Heritage Area
- • Susquehanna National Heritage Area


text:
Monthly Archives: July 2012
Votes Lost in Translation: Korean Confusion, Bengali Ballots Debated
By Voices of NY | Gotham Gazette, Korea Daily
Translated by Hye Mi
Voting can be a confusing process for native English speakers, but for those who don't speak English, it's even more daunting, as two immigrant groups pointed out after last week's primaries.
Korean-Americans complained of confusing instructions and a crashed website that hindered their efforts to vote, and South Asians questioned the decision to provide translated ballots this November to Bengali-speakers but not Hindi-speakers.
Confusion about changed voting districts and a crashed website resulted in some Korean-American New Yorkers returning home from the polls last week without casting ballots, the Korea Daily reported. New Jersey Korean-Americans made similar complaints last month about their primary elections.
On the day of the primary election, the Korean language version of a webpage with poll locations and sample ballots was down from 11 to 4 p.m., the Korea Daily reported. An excerpt of the article is translated below:
It is assumed that an overload of Korean voters who didn't get notice of the election tried to connect to the website all at the same time, causing the webpage to crash.
"It [was] caused because the commission didn't promote the information of the primary election," said Dongchan Kim, the director of Korean American Civic Empowerment. "Most Korean-American voters who called the hot line for inquiries asked about polling station locations. As a result of [the] investigation, it came out that they didn't get the notice regarding vote information by mail from the commission."
Last week the Gotham Gazette reported efforts to provide Queens voters with translators and phone operators fluent in Bengali, Punjabi and Hindi. Under federal mandates, translators, phone operators and signs must be provided to help Indian American voters in South Asian communities such as Jackson Heights and Rosedale. But South Asian voters last week didn't find ballots printed in any of their languages. They will have to wait until November to see a Bengali-language ballot.
The Gotham Gazette interviewed a halal vendor, Salam Nabi, who said he has never voted in a city election, and has "no idea how it works."
Nabi, 21, said the addition of Bengali as a language on the ballot would make a big difference for him. "I would vote now," he said, as he looked outside the window of his steamy halal cart.
Still, the Board of Elections' decision to print ballots in Bengali — which is spoken in Bangladesh and part of India — instead of Hindi has raised some criticism.
… Gurpal Singh, the executive director of SEVA NY, a South Asian organization operating in Richmond Hill, Queens, said the BOE's commissioners had been "very academic in their approach" by choosing Bengali, rather than taking into account the realities of the neighborhoods themselves.
"If you really want to serve South Asians in Queens, you should do both languages, Bengali and Hindi," he said. He said the "BOE is only doing the bare minimum to comply with the federal law" and that "even before the meetings, it seemed like the BOE already picked Bengali."


text:
Based on the more rigorous surveys and reports, it's still true that clinicians are generally more eager adopters of both mobile devices and the medical apps that run on them. The persistent challenge for many iPad-toting physicians, however, is where to turn for medical app recommendations. In its efforts to be at least somewhat helpful on that front, Apple has slightly reworked and beefed up its now more visible section of "Apps For Healthcare Professionals", which appears to be consistently featured in the AppStore's medical section now.
We'll be discussing mobile health tools used by clinicians with HCA and AirStrip Technologies this Thursday afternoon -- be sure to register for our free webinar here, if you have not done so already.
In May 2012 Manhattan Research published its latest data on physician smartphone, tablet, and app adoption, which in most ways outpaces the average consumer. In May the research firm found that already 62 percent of US doctors already had some kind of tablet device -- twice as many as in 2011 -- and even many of those with devices planned to buy an additional one within a few months.
The iPad continues to dominate as the physician's tablet of choice. Only the Kindle Fire had made some inroads beyond single percentage points of adoption, which is where all other comers stood.
Manhattan's VP of Research Monique Levy noted in May that while tablet adoption has soared, doctors aren't finding the devices to be replacements for their smartphones. One of the biggest strikes against tablets, according to those physicians surveyed, were that tablets are too big for their lab coat pockets. Levy said that while new coats with larger pockets are available they "don't cut it," according to the thousands of physicians surveyed.
The new iPad mini certainly solves that problem, which may mean smartphone cannibalization is possible in the years ahead after all.
As app users, physicians typically download fewer apps than the average consumer but they use a higher share of those apps that they do download, according to Manhattan. They also use their apps on a more frequent basis than the average consumer. Between patient consultations, physicians are likely to use their tablet or a desktop/laptop if they are looking to read a full journal abstract, watch a video, or fully access an EHR. During patient consultations the range of activities physicians are likely to do on smartphones is a little bit narrower, and often include "simple tasks that have one or two steps," Levy said. About 18 percent of physicians use some aspects of EHRs on their mobile devices — even on their smartphones. The biggest surprise Manhattan Research encountered during its survey was a lack of mobile offerings that help enable the "swivel effect" where the physician flips the screen around to explain something to their patients.
In September 2011, Apple added a new section to its AppStore for healthcare professionals that included about 50 apps designed for iPad and iPhone users. A little more than a year later the section has been slightly reworked: Apple added a new subsection for nurses, changed the name of its "point of care" section to "patient education" and added a few new apps to most of the existing subsections, too. Apple now recommends some 80 apps to healthcare professionals and it makes for an interesting list of top medical apps.
Finding worthwhile medical apps has been a longstanding issue for physicians, nurses, and other clinicians. Wading through the now tens of thousands of health-related apps to find useful ones to use in care settings is a generally cumbersome chore unless you know what you are looking for. Over the years a handful of blogs have sprung up to offer recommendations and reviews from individual medical students or physicians. Happtique has quickly built a following as it develops its own filtered medical app store of sorts that intends to make it easier for healthcare facilities to discover and distribute apps. And Apple appears to be slowly doing its part to highlight apps it deems to be of a certain quality, but its reasons for choosing the 80 apps below -- like many things the company does -- remains unclear.
Given the thousands of tweets and shares our first review of Apple's Apps for Healthcare Professionals received, we have taken another look to update and compile a slideshow of the apps currently featured in the section and broken them into the categories that Apple uses. Read on for a brief description of each and some screenshots:
Our Definition: Medical reference apps provide information about medications, diseases, conditions, and other medical topics.
Journal of Clinical Oncology
The Merck Manual - Professional Edition
The Merck Manual's iOS app is a digital version of its reference text. Users can browse the app by section and by symptom, and the app automatically logs what sections users have read.
(WebMD for iPad is no longer featured in this section as Apple likely realized its generally used by consumers not healthcare professionals.)
WebMD's physician app had the distinction of being the most downloaded free medical app of 2010. It includes a drug interaction checker, procedure reference, and daily medical news updates.
Unbound Medline
Unbound MEDLINE connects you to over 20 million journal citations and abstracts from PubMed via your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Perform searches and link to the publisher's full text articles. Visually explore the literature using Grapherence to find related and relevant articles.
LabGear ~ Medical lab reference guide
Medical lab reference app LabGear is a pocket tool for Medical Laboratory tests and now includes integration with MedCalc.
Journal of Clinical Oncology
Readers can now access Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) articles optimized for viewing on the iPhone and iPad.
Micromedex Drug Information
The app is described as "a free resource for on-the-go access to the industry's most trusted clinical reference information, providing users the peace-of mind of knowing the information is from Micromedex, coupled with the ease of use of iPhone and iPad."
- 1
- …


text:
Pooches on patrol in Peel Region
No caps and gowns for these graduates — just badges and bowls of water.
Peel Regional Police's K-9 unit welcomed their two newest recruits Wednesday, Kylo and Stark.
Their handlers said they have undergone vigorous training for the past 16 weeks and were paraded through an obstacle course, facing walls, hurdles and tubes.
The dogs are both Belgian shepherds which were born in Holland just over two years ago.
While Const. Mario Pitarelli has years of experience in the homicide bureau and with Peel's tactical squad, he's a rookie with the K-9 unit.
He and Kylo have been together for about six months.
"Some nights where he is barking at 5 a.m. at chipmunks or other animals on my property and those days the love dissipates a little," quipped Pitarelli, who takes Kylo home with him. "But there is a really strong bond between all the handlers and their dogs."
So fair Kylo has progressed with flying colours, finding evidence and a suspect during a break and enter.
Const. Jason Senechal's pooch partner is Stark. He said the animal "has taken to all the foundations of dog work, tracking, his scent work."


text:
Good Luck - Port Chester Cheerleaders
Could the second time be a charm? The Port Chester cheerleading team hopes so.
For the second straight year, the Rams' cheerleaders earned a spot at the National High School Cheerleading Championship, which is scheduled for Feb. 12 at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla. But during their first trip, the girls were wide-eyed and awe-struck — just happy to be there. But this time is different.
"I think we're more focused," senior captain Amanda Blasi said. "We know what we want."
What Port Chester seeks is more success than last winter, when the Rams went home from the competition without advancing past the preliminary stage. Now, prelims have become their hurdle. They'll spend the rest of the practice time preparing to leap it.
Without funding, the team has sought to raise money since the beginning of the season. Sanchez even said plans were in the works for an exhibition at the middle school on Feb. 6, where the team would sell tickets to a display of its new routines.
"We're still trying to get that last bit of money so we're not lacking when we get there," said Sanchez, the 28-year-old, second-year coach. "The focus of the girls and really deciding what they want has been important.'
Splash Car Wash donated $400 from a Sunday Event to the cheerleading squad the Monday night before the girls were to head down to compete. Mark Curtis was on hand to wish the squad luck and snap a quick picture.
"We didn't make it out of prelims last year, but that's what we expected," Port Chester coach Chezdis Sanchez said. "It was just really an eye-opener for the girls. They saw what other teams are doing. They saw how serious those other teams are with the sport.
"We have higher expectations this year. We hope to make it out of prelims and we're a completely different team this year. Even though we were a great team last year, we broke the boundary, now we're hoping to make it into Round 1."
That Port Chester team reached Nationals for the first time in school history. It now returns a squad without 14 of those girls, all seniors who graduated.
But forget preliminaries. The new group nearly missed an opportunity for redemption back on Dec. 13 when hazardous weather turned a two-plus-hour drive to its regional qualifier into a six-hour zigzag up hills, down valleys and into Berwick High School in the Poconos hours late.
"I-80 was closed. There were a lot of car accidents. Cars were spinning out all over the place in front of us. Ambulances were everywhere," Sanchez remembered. "It was quite scary.'
Obsessed with its routines, the squad was less concerned about the circuitous route and more worried about getting there at all.
"People were asking questions, and answers weren't really being given," Blasi said. "No one really knew what was going to happen."
The bus never turned back for home. As Sanchez called everyone — and organizers told her the Rams could switch their time and still post a score — girls dressed and prepped for the competition as best they could.
"We were willing to do anything," Blasi said. "There were girls stretching on the bus. There were girls lying down in the isle, or taking out hair curlers on the bus. We were willing to do whatever it took."
Not only did they compete, they met their goal, qualifying for Nationals yet again.


text:
Archive for unjumble
You are browsing the archives of unjumble.
You are browsing the archives of unjumble.
Now the English word unjumbling service at unjumble.SeeingWithC.org is also available via Twitter. It can be accessed directly from the mobile phone using text sms messages. This is what you need to do: Sign up on twitter if you do not already have an account. If you want to use mobile phone, your number should […]


text:
Last week I talked to Kori Chambers, anchor for the PIX11 morning team about social media do's and don'ts for parents. Covering apps that keep your family pictures private, social media shaming and creating a digital footprint for your kid before they can even walk – the segment covered a lot of advice for parents online!
Watch the segment and let me know if you have other online and social media parenting topics you'd like to see covered!


text:
The week in review
Biggest sticker shock: Albemarle real estate jumps an average 27 percent in the county's latest biennial property assessment.
Biggest budget: Albemarle schools Superintendent Kevin Castner proposes a $127 million budget, $10.7 million over last year's. The increase boosts starting salaries for teachers from $34,000 to nearly $37,000.
Second biggest school budget: Charlottesville Superintendent Scottie Griffin presents a $58 million budget– an increase of more than $2 million– that cuts elementary PE teachers and guidance counselors while adding "coordinators."
Most paralyzed: Two one-inch doses of snow close Albemarle County schools for three days (and counting) at press time.
Best school assignment: UVA's Curry School of Education signs on to help struggling Clark Elementary pass its English SOLs over the next three years. Last year, Clark didn't meet federal No Child Left Behind standards, and 32 students opted to transfer to other city elementaries.
Most damaging fire: Billionaire Edgar Bronfman's Buffalo Hill slaugherhouse/meat processing plant in Madison County burns early January 20.
Most self-destructive fire: Thomas Lee Johnson Jr. is suspected of setting fire to his wife's Covesville house January 22 and then shooting himself in the chest. Johnson is hospitalized and under arrest for three prior felony charges stemming from a January 7 domestic violence incident in which he allegedly assaulted his estranged wife with a clothes iron.
Saddest search: The body of former UVA student and University Transit Service driver Chyler Ebersold is found January 24 off Stadium Drive. Ebersold, a diabetic, had been missing since January 21 and left a note that said, "Tell everyone I'm sorry. Goodbye."
Best memorial: Charlottesville Transit Service offers free rides January 28 in memory of Helen Poore, founding CTS manager. When Poore died a year ago, bus service stopped to allow transit employees to attend her funeral, leaving many CTS-dependent riders stranded.
Hottest seat: UVA basketball coach Pete Gillen, with a 1-5 ACC record. His boss, athletic director Craig Littlepage, on the eve of a $35 million fundraising push to finish the John Paul Jones Arena, says the team "isn't to the point we want to be."
Worst threat to top teen pastimes: The Virginia Senate passes a bill that prohibits those under 18 from dialing while driving.
Less drunk: A 2004 Student Health Survey shows a decrease in alcohol abuse among UVA students.
Most superfluous charge: Staunton couple Gary and Mary Pryor, who face first-degree murder charges in the death of Lisa Hostetter Johnson, allegedly over a drug deal, also are charged with a misdemeanor count for allegedly dumping the victim's body, WVIR reports.
Best spin on greenhouse gases: A research team led by UVA prof William Ruddiman suggests that without global warming, Earth would be well on its way to the next ice age, according to the Quaternary Science Reviews.
Best plug for a purple building: The February issue of Southern Living extols gourmet delights found in the Main Street Market, including at Albemarle Bakery, Feast, Ciboulette, and Gearhart's Fine Chocolates.
Best vegetarian B&B: The White Pig in Schuyler, according to readers of VegNews, and to PETA, which awarded the inn its Proggy award for its "animal friendly achievement." When it first opened in 2002, 4Better voted it "worst name for a vegan bed and breakfast," and is almost abashed to learn from the inn's press release that it's named for rescued miniature pot-bellied pigs.
Best DC draw: George W. Bush's January 20 inauguration attracts thousands of supporters– and protestors– to Washington.